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Whilst Cornwall is known for its rolling coastlines and sweeping sands, some of the best and most beautiful parts of the county can be found inland. Including quaint villages and country pubs, golden fields strewn with hay bales, woodland walks with meandering streams, rocky moors and heritage mines.
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of winding through country lanes, trees arching above and Cornish hedgerows lining either side of the twisting lanes. Deep in the countryside, you’ll find old Cornish villages, each with their individual characteristics, and usually home to the village pub and church. With interesting names and a unique history, the villages of inner Cornwall differ quite significantly to their nearby coastal villages.
Whether it’s rural farmland, gorse and heather covered moors or mining relics, there’s an abundance of things to do and see. That said, if you do fancy a day at the beach, you’ll never be more than a short drive away from the coast wherever you choose to stay. You’ll also have the added benefit of being close to both coastlines, which whilst very different, are equally beautiful; head to the south coast and discover green hills that roll down to the shoreline, sandy coves and bays and exotic sub-tropical gardens, or explore the north coast, where you’ll find rugged cliffs hugging spectacular beaches and landscape transformed by tin and copper mining.
Truro is Cornwall’s only city, it’s the most southern city in Great Britain. Truro is easily accessible by Train from a number of stations in Mid Cornwall, such as Redruth, Camborne, Par, and St Austell. This direct line from London Paddington arrived in Truro in the 1860’s. With a selection of high street and boutique shops, it’s the best place to shop in Cornwall. Why not consider booking tickets for a show at The Hall for Cornwall while you’re in Cornwall?
Tehidy has over 9 miles of paths and 250 acres of woods and lakes to explore. Stop off at the café after your walk for a coffee and a slice of homemade cake. Tehidy was formally the estate of the Bassets, it was sold in 1915.
Located at Retallack Resort and Spa, the aqua park is a total wipe out style inflatable obstacle course – perfect for a fun packed afternoon (re-opens Saturday 31st March 2018). Retallack is also home to the county’s only FlowRider, bringing you perfect waves, every day of the week!
One of Cornwall’s most famous attractions, and home to two biomes housing a rainforest and Mediterranean eco system. Visit the Eden Project and you’ll also find sculptures, outdoor gardens, trails and children’s activities, ice-skating (Oct – Feb), Hangloose adventures (including England’s longest and fastest zip wire) and a selection of cafes and bars.
One of the most popular botanical gardens in the UK, The Lost Gardens of Heligan was opened in 1992. The members of the Tremayne Family created the gardens from the mid-18th century to the beginning of the 20th century, the gardens are still part of the family’s estate today.
With three trains on site, including a steam train, and many other activities, this is sure to be a delightful day for all the family.
With a full size steam train, visit Bodmin’s famous train line to travel through the countryside by steam!
For those feeling more adventurous, try out one of the cycle trails in mid Cornwall for a fun and active way to explore the countryside.
Try a range of water sports activities at Stithians Lake, from paddle boarding and kayaking, to wind surfing.
In an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is this hidden gem, a spectacular 60 foot waterfall set into the rocks. Take the time to visit this magical place and explore the woodland walks.
For those seeking an element of culture, there’s a range of different cultural attractions throughout Cornwall, well worth visiting, including: Pencarrow House and Gardens, Lanhydrock House, Bodmin Jail and Poldark Mine.
View all our cottages in Mid Cornwall>
The Fowey Royal Regatta includes sailing contests, a carnival, the crowning of the Fowey Queen, a pasty eating contest, and as per tradition, a giant pasty which is shared out among the community.
18th August 2021
Nestled within wild meadows and ancient woodland, The Great Estate extends its portfolio of infamous shenanigans for 2021. Unveiling a series of weird and wonderful happenings, the festival showcases musicians, dancers, wrestlers, award-winning chefs and vintage car owners.
27th - 29th August 2021
Top UK and international jazz, blues, swing and boogie bands make up the Bude Jazz festival, with over 120 events including street parades, late night jam sessions and a dance marquee.
31st August - 3rd September 2021
A three-day celebration of all things seafoodie! Barbecued fish on the beach; cooking demos from the best of the best; fish merchants selling the freshest seafood imaginable - ready for you to take back to your holiday home and cook up using your newly-learned skills!
10th - 12th September 2021
Now becoming a sellout event, this festival keeps attracting more and more visitors who come to enjoy a wide range of acts, including music, theatre, poetry and visual arts.
11th - 25th September 2021
A truly magical experience in Eden's natural amphitheatre. Upcoming performers include Ben Howard, Mcgly, Snow Patrol, The Script, Idles, My Chemical Romance, Lionel Richie and Bryan Adams. Tickets also include a daytime pass to the Eden Project.
11th September 2021 - 29th June 2022
Find out more >
Growing in size and popularity, the St Ives Food Festival features top chefs, quality Cornish goods, sandcastle competitions for children and food demonstrations.
17th - 19th September 2021
Every year Lusty Glaze beach hosts their Sundowner Sessions - an opportunity to watch your favourite artsits perform live in the stunning setting of the natural ampitheatre provided by the cliffs at Lusty Glaze.
3rd October 2021
Celebrate the start of the Oyster season at Falmouth's Events Square. Get involved with food demonstrations, browse local craft stalls and taste some spectacular seafood!
7th - 10th October 2021
The Mevagissey Shanty Festival showcases shanty and accapella groups from all over the UK. The event begins at 7pm on the Friday and will continue on the Saturday at 11am. The main stage at Mevagissey Activity Centre also features a Cornish beer festival.
15th - 17th October 2021
For the first time the Bude Blues, Rhythm and Rock Festival will be taking place across three days in November, featuring Wishbone Ash, Focus and Thorbjorn Risager.
5th - 7th November 2021
Featuring more than 20 sea shanty groups and with sailor and pirate themed fancy dress, this year's event will be raising money for Cornwall Air Ambulance and its New Heli Appeal. It'll take place in various pubs and venues in St Ives.
19th - 20th November 2021
Located at Penrice Academy, Charlestown Christmas Market hosts 100 Cornish traders, showcasing some of the best food, drinks and crafts in Cornwall, alongside live entertainment. With plenty of parking and an inside venue, it's perfect for some Christmas shopping.
20th - 21st November 2021
Winter is perhaps the most magical time to visit the Eden Project. Not only can you explore the biomes, there's also the opportunity to go ice-skating, watch live storytelling and meet Father Christmas!
TBC 2021
Enjoy a festival of light as giant handmade lanterns are paraded through the streets along to an array of music and flamboyant dancers. Craft and food stalls line the streets; pick up a tasty snack or warming drink while doing some Christmas shopping.
TBC November 2021
Browse an impressive selection of Cornish crafts and delicious food on the Piazza in Truro. It's a great place to find special Christmas gifts for loved ones with plenty of choice from local artisans, artists and food and drink producers.
TBC November 2021
Head to Fowey for a weekend of festivities! Get your Christmas shopping underway with over 100 local traders selling high quality food, drink and crafts, while enjoying some live music and entertainment.
26th - 28th November 2021
Join Santa and his elves aboard his magical steam train as you journey through the Cornish countryside. On the hour long journey, children will get to meet and greet Santa, recieve a present and have their photograph taken.
TBC December 2021
Rick Stein, Paul Ainsworth and Nathan Outlaw will be flying the flag for Cornwall at this year’s 10th annual Padstow Christmas Festival. Enjoy chef demonstrations, live music, food and craft stalls, and meet Santa in his grotto.
2nd - 5th December 2021
The Looe Blues, Rhtythm and Rock Festival will be held in December this year. Set in the countryside with views acrosss the sea, it's a beautiful place to sit back, relax and enjoy the music!
3rd - 5th September 2021
On selected dates between the 4th and 24th December, board the Santa Express to Santa's grotto where children will recieve a gift from Father Christmas. There will also be children's entertainment, mince pies, and mulled wine for the adults!
4th - 24th December 2021
Created by Cornwall’s award winning Rogue Theatre, Winter Wood is an adventure for families and those who still believe in magic. Let the faeries lead the way with stories and songs to Old Man Winter, who will weave a tale and reveal the path to a wondrous festivity of wintry marvels.
TBC 2021
Find the perfect presents for your nearest and dearest at Truro's Winter Gift Fayre. You can expect to find luxury food and drink, festive decorations and gorgeous gifts, with more than 80 stalls from local South West producers.
TBC December 2021
Possibly the most well-known and popular Christmas Lights in the county, Moushole combines stunning displays against the backdrop of their gorgeous Cornish fishing harbour to bring real festive magic to all who visit at this special time of year. Read More >
TBC December 2021
Each year, the people of Penzance celebrate the Winter solstace with a festival of Cornish tradition, torch processions, and dancing through the streets. It's a truly womderful celebration.
21st December 2021
Every year, the people of Mousehole celebrate the bravery of Tom Bawcock. Years ago, when the boats couldn't get out in the storms, the villages had no fish to eat. Tom dared to take his boat out and returned with enough fish to make a Star Gazey fish pie for the whole village.
23rd December 2021
Spend New Year's Eve in St Ives for an unforgettable evening at the largest fancy dress party in the county. Ring in the New Year with an unbeatable fireworks display by the sea.
31st December 2021
Find out more about New Year's Eve in St Ives here>
Feast Day offers visitors the chance to witness, and even join in with, a centuries-old tradition. The Mayor 'Hurls the Silver Ball' into the crowd on the beach below. The one who returns the ball to the Guildhall steps by midday receives a silver coin.
TBC February 2022
The World Pasty Championships at the Eden Project is a great day out. With 8 different categories, many companies, professionals and amateurs from around the UK compete for the title of the best Cornish pasty.
5th March 2022
St Piran's Day is the national day of Cornwall, named after St Piran, a 5th century Irish Abbot. Legend claims he was thrown into the sea in Ireland tied to a mill stone; he washed up on the Cornish coast still alive. He made Cornwall his new home and became the patron saint of tin-miners.
5th March 2022
The Falmouth Spring Festival is a wonderful early season celebration of coast, community and culture. Falmouth will be celebrating spring with a range of events and activities throughout the week, including spring clean days to tidy the town and beaches.
TBC 2022
Boscastle Walking Week is an annual event which has grown in popularity over the years. Organised by local people with local knowledge, you'll be guided on some of the most beautiful walks along the Cornish coastline, amid woods and streams and on rambles to secluded waterfalls.
April 2022
St Endellion Church provides a magical setting for this classical music concert, which features opera, choral and orchestral music over nine days. Musicians visit from all over the world to perform at this special concert.
9th - 17th April 2022
On this special weekend, Tregothnan will open its private gardens to the public. These secluded gardens have diverse trees and rare collections of flowers and plants. There are more than 100 acres of gardens to explore, featuring ancient camellias, magnolias and rhododendrons.
TBC 2022
Held on the Roseland Pensinsula, this wonderful festival offers a diverse programme of events, including music, history, films, art, walks, talks and photography. With so many activities and events, there's something for everyone.
16th April - 2nd May 2022
The small Cornish fishing village of Porthleven hosts its annual Food & Music Festival every April and encorporates street performers, a range of local produce, Samba dancing, theatre, beer marquees, hip-hop dancers, fireworks, Cornish singing & much, much mmore...the list is endless!
TBC 2021
Join in the celebrations at this community led festival. The annual event celebrates the engineering and mining history of the Camborne area, and is dedicated to Richard Trevithick, pioneer of high pressure steam power & inventor of Road and Railway Locomotives.
TBC 2022
This annual event takes place on the Isles of Scilly over the May Day bank holiday weekend. With crews coming from all over the South West, races start on Friday,and finals take place on the Monday.
29th April - 1st May 2022
This colourful tradition that takes place in the harbour town of Padstow. Locals decorate the town with flags, flowers, greenery and a flagpole. The crowds are greeted by the swirling and dancing 'osses' who parade through the town, followed by the 'Teazer' who dances along behind.
1st May 2022
Bolster festival in St Agnes celebrates the demise of the legend of Bolster the giant. The community re-enact the life and downful of the giant as they parade through the streets and down to the cliffs overlooking Chapel Porth beach.
TBC 2022
Celebrating the life and works of the renowned author, Daphne Du Maurier (who spent a large proportion of her life in and around Fowey) this community festival has grown into a popular annual event.
6th - 14th May 2022
An ancient annual event, Helston Flora Day features traditional dances throughout the day, where crowds line the streets to watch the procession. In addition, visitors can enjoy craft, food and drinks stalls, as well as a large fairground.
8th May 2022
This three-day event is the highlight of Cornwall's agricultural year, showcasing the very best of Cornwall's rural lifestyle. The event is packed with activities, competitions, food and craft demonstrations and stalls, displays, music, and, or course, lots of animals!
June 2022
Golowan Festival is an annual arts event that celebrates local culture and community. This year's events have been toned down, however, elements of the festival will still go ahead to celebrate midsummer.
June 2022
The Falmouth Sea Shanty was founded and is organised by Falmouth Shout. Sea Shanty events aim to preserve and promote the maritime heritage of Falmouth and Cornwall as a whole and are thoroughly enjoyable.
TBC June 2022
Celebrated since 1754, Mevagissey Feast Week is a celebration of food, music, dance and more. With a host of colourful events being held throughout the week, this is a festival not to be missed!
26th June - 2nd July 2022
Popular with visitors and locals alike, this exciting festival celebrates everything literary, including spoken, written, recited and sung word. Take part in the reading and writing discussions and activities and enjoy the many performances.
6th - 9th July 2022
Celebrated since the early 1800s, the Stihtains Show is a fine agricultural event showcasing animals, arts and crafts, food and drink, music and more. This year's events will be virtual, so you can watch and interact online!
TBC July 2021
Head to Mount Pleasant Eco Park to join in with the park's annual festival celebrating the rich cultures of Africa, Latin America and the caribbean. Enjoy live music, dance and food throughout the weekend.
15th - 17th July 2022
For two weeks only, Adventure 001, supporters of Cornwall Air Ambulance, will be bringing their helicopter experiences to St Ives! Book your flight online and take in the incredible views across St Ives bay and beyond!
July and August 2022
Enjoy a week of live music, watersports, competitions, pasty-making, children's sports, raft races and a carnival, all with the backdrop of the famous Georgian harbour in Charlestown.
TBC 2022
A food and music festival on the banks of the Camel Estuary featuring live music, performing arts, endless entertainment for kids, and of course fantastic seafood.
29th - 31st July 2022
Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week is one of the largest sailing regatta's in the south west with more than 300 yachts racing over eight days. The full events line-up includes entertainment in Falmouth's Events Square and offsite activities such as outdoor film screenings and Red Arrow displays.
5th - 14th August 2022
A fun packed day hosted by the RNLI lifeboat Station. See the lifeboats on display and in action on the water with demonstrations featuring one of the HM Coastguard helicpoters!
TBC Summer 2022
Be part of the UK's biggest surf, skate and music festival at this year's 'Boardmasters', held in the popular seaside resort of Newquay. Enjoy music performed by Gorillaz, Dizzee Rascal, Jamie XX, The Kooks and more!
TBC August 2022
First held in 1920, Bude Carnival is an annual event where money rasied is donated to local charities and orgaisations. Join in with the carnival celebrations for a fun filled day of music, dance and competition!
13th August 2022
This fun event is organised by Looe Boat Owners Association in support of Looe RNLI. Enjoy the fun by making and entering your own raft, or just come and cheer everyone on.
TBC 2021
Meet Father Christmas, decorate gingerbread, make Reindeer food and have a festive day out at the Milky Way Adventure Park near Bude. At the elf emporium, new for 2018, children can write letters to the North Pole and take part in other fun activities. Online booking essential.
TBC 2022